Balstock 2013 “absolutely smashed it”, according to this year’s organiser.

Balstock 2013 “absolutely smashed it”, according to this year’s organiser.

The music festival in Baldock, which took place from Friday to Sunday, saw record crowds, with just about all the 166 acts involved playing to packed venues.

The appalling weather on Friday and Sunday did nothing to diminish the atmosphere.

The High Street saw market stalls, food kiosks and family entertainment, as well as dance classes from Baldock’s Knights Templar School gym staff. Fourteen other venues, including all the pubs in central Baldock, reported record crowds.

This year the event was in aid of the MS Trust, with 60% of all money raised being donated to charity.

Organiser Graeme LaRoche described the atmosphere around town as “buzzing”. He said: “I’m so incredibly proud of everyone who gave their time and efforts for Balstock. It has an exceptional community spirit that you just don’t get at most festivals.

“I want to put a big shout-out to my beloved ‘orange-shirts’ (the Balstock reps) and all our volunteers who went beyond the call of duty. Also to every single band, act, DJ and comedian - the vast majority of them local - who gave their time for free.”